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Hotels mean different things to travelers. Sometimes, it’s just a place to rest your head for a night. To me, it’s more than that. It’s not just a bed to come home to after a wearisome travel. It must be a sanctuary where you can get inspired to head out the next day; must embrace you with the familiar at the end of your day. And always, always give you the thrill of being far from the mundane.

I used to wade through travel sites and blogs and booking sites just to understand what the reviewers were saying and not saying. I realized I had to understand their country of origin, the nuances of their culture, and why they travel. Of course, for some people, the room is too cramped, the bed not firm enough, or the bed sheets not immaculate enough. But the thing about reviews is you need to understand where reviewers are coming from, literally and figuratively.

Cleanliness. Distance. Size. These mean different things to different people.

What’s missing in the whole web of reviews is context.

So, here’s the context here. I’m a fifty-something-year old Asian who is very particular about cleanliness. Bed sheets should be white and pressed. The bed should be made in such a way that the sheets stay put even after a restless night’s sleep. The carpets should be newly vacuumed. Yes, we can tell, can we? The towels should be soft and warm from the machine. So, you get the drift.

I shell out a little extra for a better room. I don’t consider myself extravagant but deciding between a decent hotel and a cheap one should be a no-brainer.

And, no, the room isn’t just for staying in. It’s part of the vacation. If you believe in this, too, then you’ve come to the right place.

Welcome.

Xoxo,

B